21-Feb-2002 -- 510 kilometres forth and back of Riyāḍ at the western gate of the famous Rub` al-Khāliy desert we had to find our Confluence. Not an easy one we thought since the terrain was not known to any of us and the maps were not very much promising.

So we went off Riyāḍ first in direction to al-Kharj, that is south-east on a highway through the garden of Riyāḍ, because most of the local agricultural products come from this area, including fresh water and dairy products. Shortly before al-Kharj the highway split and we took the southern leg in direction of Wādī al-Dawasir, that is 600 kilometres further south of Riyāḍ. The highway leads further through farming areas, interrupted by chains of mountains and small sand belts until Ḥawṭat Banī Tamīm. Here the highway ends and a normal tarmac continues, but already under construction for a highway.

After Ḥawṭat Banī Tamīm the landscaspe is very monotonous and there are only few very small hills over the plain. We were lucky about that and after finding an exit in the very long fence along the road we could immediately hit the Confluence straight away.

So finally, it turned out to be a very easy one and we came to the conclusion, that one cannot trust the maps of Saudi Arabia in details.

We have to admit that this was the last Confluence for Helmut and Elfi Loew, they are leaving for good end of the month. So we wish them all the best for the future. For sure they will carry the sense of Confluence to their new destination.